Noand past centuries knowing the properties of plants and herbs was reserved for a few. Today instead the benefits of aromatic plants and herbs are not only within everyone’s reach, but they can also be grown in your own kitchen or on the balcony. To be able to fully enjoy.
Witches’ herbs and plants, why they should be known even today
The so-called witches’ herbs and plants they really exist. They are the ones that, by popular tradition, have therapeutic powers, heal, protect and above all repel negative energies. In short, those plants that have been part of female knowledge for centuries, and which in the past were the protagonists of ointments, potions and amulets, today are considered good luck charms and to have because “you never know”. Also easy to grow and maintain, they are also suitable for those who don’t really have a green thumb.
Witches’ herbs and plants, the 5 to have
1. Rue, the protector of the house
Known for his protective role of the homeis a plant that if grown outdoors attracts many butterflies and bees. Furthermore, it needs direct sun. But the peculiarity of the route is that It has an action against migraines and nausea, which is why it is an ideal ingredient in herbal teas. If instead you want to exploit its protective powerEnough tie two sprigs together with a red ribbon and then hang them on the windowsill or behind the door.
2. Mandrake, the magical plant par excellence
Also called mandrake, the name was given to it by Hippocrates in the 4th century BC «In ancient times it was attributed with aphrodisiac properties and in the Middle Ages it was considered extremely powerful in magical rituals and spells. It is said that witches not only used it for the preparation of potions but also in ointments to sprinkle on their brooms to make them fly» explains the biologist, nutritionist and pharmacist Alessandra Oca.
Common in Italy and the Mediterranean, «what made it famous and fearsome over the centuries was its anthropomorphic root that resembles the body of a small man. Hence the belief that it was not a simple plant but a small magical being which, if awakened from its underground sleep, would kill the people present with a lethal scream. This legend made her the protagonist of Nicolò Macchiavelli’s comedy of the same name and more recently was taken up in the Harry Potter novels.” Is it a harmless plant? «Not exactly. The presence of tropane alkaloids makes it poisonous and toxic even in small doses, with the risk of falling into states of confusion and deep sleep.”
3. Artemisia Absinthium, otherwise known as wormwood
You can’t talk about magical plants and herbs without mentioning absinthe. Plant par excellence that transports you to another world, between dreams and visions, it was famous in the early twentieth century when it was consumed by the most famous artists of the time. It is no coincidence that the famous “green fairy”, as it was nicknamed due to the green fairy on the label, was a must in Parisian cafés and bistros. «Poets, painters and artists enjoyed its hallucinogenic virtues. The popularity of the drink grew so much that in 1870, the liqueur came to represent 90% of aperitif consumption in France, having such an impact on society that its production had to be banned».
Abuse aside, what is absinthe? «Plant native to the south-eastern Mediterranean, contains numerous chemical compounds including asyntol, a substance that gives it its characteristic bitter taste, and thujonea substance similar to cannabinoids, to which hallucinogenic properties are attributed, which is why the famous liqueur was banned from the market. However, the levels of thujone in absinthe are very low and fall within the safety limits established by regulations, therefore the hallucinogenic and mental state-altering capacity of the green fairy is rather to be attributed to the large quantity of alcohol contained in the drink and to excessive consumption.” Today it can be consumed in moderation in liqueurs and herbal teas and is famous for its digestive properties.
4. The herbs that purify, verbena and sage
Considered benevolent herbs, precisely because of their nature protective action, verbena and sage were used in past centuries for their protective and purifying rituals. «Associated with mental clarity, lucidity in dreams, verbena with delicate leaves and purple flowers, it is one of the plants included among the magical herbs of St. Johnharvested on June 24th to be used throughout the year, both for health and to attract good luck and benevolence. Considered sacred by the ancient Romans and Celtic priests, together with sage it was used in rituals of purification and consecration of environments, with the aim of warding off evil presences. Even today these plants, dried and collected in bunches, they are the best-selling herbal plants for environmental fumigation. In folk medicine, the leaves and flowers are used to make an infusion with a pleasant flavour, which can be consumed as a tea without
be neither irritating to the intestine nor act as an stimulant”.
5. Lavender, for peaceful nights and warding off evil witches
As the expert says, in the past there was a belief that a witch could not advance or approach an ear of lavender. The reason? They were distracted by counting all the seeds and so did not cast curses and spells. Legends aside, today lavender is known for many properties, including antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ones. In addition to the sedative ones, so much so that it has always been known as a plant that promotes sleep and calms anxiety. Which is why, in the past we used to put a bunch of lavender on the bedside table.
«Today we have real herbal medicines based on lavender essential oil to treat infections, insomnia and quell anxiety. Studies carried out with aromatograms show the power of its essential oil in the effectively counteract various bacterial strains, even resistant to antibiotics. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the molecules of the essential oil have the ability to bind to specific olfactory receptors. These are then able to send signals to the hypothalamic and limbic systems of the brain, respectively responsible for managing stress and emotions, helping to modulate anxiety».